Support the Orang Asli Community of Kampung Sungai Temon This Winter Holiday

This winter, Global Volunteers invites you to join a transformative service program in Kampung Sungai Temon, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. From December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with the Orang Asli Seletar community—an indigenous group known for their deep connection to the sea and their rich cultural heritage.

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The Sea-Dwelling Orang Asli of Kampung Sungai Temun

The Orang Asli community, also known as the “Sea Gypsies” of Malaysia, are one of the 19 officially recognized Orang Asli (Indigenous) communities in Peninsular Malaysia. They are traditionally nomadic, coastal people who have lived for generations along the mangrove-lined shores of southern Johor, including Kampung Sungai Temun in Perling, where volunteers are invited to serve.

At Kampung Sungai Temun, the community relies on the sea for their livelihood, working as fishermen and breeding mussels in the nearby Tebrau Straits. Their deep-rooted connection to the ocean is both spiritual and practical; the sea has long provided food, income, and a sense of identity.

Historically, the Orang Asli lived in stilt houses or on boats, harvesting fish, prawns, crabs, and other marine life. Though some have transitioned to permanent settlements, many still retain elements of their nomadic lifestyle, often out of necessity. With increased coastal development and government land acquisition, families are forced to relocate frequently, disrupting their livelihoods and community cohesion.

Today, the Orang Asli face growing challenges. The pollution has severely impacted marine ecosystems, reducing the availability of clean water and seafood. Poverty remains widespread, making them one of the poorest Indigenous groups in Malaysia. Educational and economic opportunities are limited, especially for youth. Despite government effort, including free transportation, uniforms, and a local tuition center, many children in Kampung Sungai Temon still skip school to work, contributing to family income rather than investing in their futures. Salim Palon, the village head, voiced serious concerns in a recent article featured by the local news station, stating,“Parents still allow their children to skip school or drop out as if it’s normal. Education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty.”

Despite these hardships, the Orang Seletar remain resilient. Their knowledge of the sea, mangroves, and sustainable harvesting practices is a vital part of Malaysia’s cultural and ecological heritage, one that deserves support and preservation. These issues have existed for decades, but community-driven initiatives are helping turn the tide. And this is where you can make a real difference.

Make a Meaningful Impact this Holiday Season

Joining Global Volunteers’ service program in Kampung Sungai Temun offers you a unique opportunity to become part of a community-led effort to support the Orang Seletar people. Through meaningful community projects, you’ll contribute directly to education, cultural preservation, and the revitalization of vital community spaces, bringing both practical help and lasting encouragement to a community working hard to preserve its way of life.

Volunteers are needed to teach conversational English to children using games, songs, and sports to build confidence and communication skills. Volunteers have also been requested to collaborate with youth and local artists to paint a vibrant mural that celebrates their cultural identity and brings new life to public spaces. In the heart of the village, volunteers interested in labor projects will help renovate the community center, a vital space for learning and growth, by painting, cleaning, and carrying out light repairs. Lastly, your work at the Orang Asli Museum will support efforts to preserve and share the unique heritage, crafts, and stories of the Orang Asli community for future generations.

By contributing your time and energy, you can help encourage children to stay in school and dream of brighter futures, support the preservation of a rich and unique culture that is slowly fading under the pressures of modernization, and provide much-needed, hands-on assistance to a community striving to overcome poverty and marginalization. When you step into this village with compassion and a willingness to serve, you send a clear message that their struggles are seen, their voices are heard, and their heritage is valued. More than just completing tasks, it’s the human connection, sharing stories, learning together, and building trust, that creates a lasting impact for both the community and those who come to serve.

Program Details & Special Holiday Experiences

Global Volunteers’ service program in Kampung Sungai Temun runs from December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026, with options to serve for one or two weeks. Volunteers will stay in double-occupancy accommodations at the comfortable and stylish Trove Hotel in Johor Bahru, with single rooms available for an additional fee. The holiday season offers a special opportunity to connect more deeply with the community. On Christmas Day, volunteers can choose to attend a heartfelt service with local residents, enjoy a festive dinner with the volunteer team, and explore Johor Bahru’s serene parks and colorful temples. To ring in the New Year, the Orang Seletar community has warmly invited volunteers to take part in a joyful, traditional celebration—a unique cultural experience you won’t forget.

This team will be led by Samantha (Sam) Pinakoulaki, whose passion for cultural exchange and years of experience will ensure that your time in Kampung Sungai Temun is both impactful and unforgettable. Sam’s journey with Global Volunteers began in 2005, when she first joined as a translator, assisting the Volunteer Team Leader. Her dedication and leadership quickly shone through, and in 2006, she was appointed as Country Manager for Greece, a role she’s held with remarkable success. Over the years, Sam has managed more than 100 teams of volunteers, ranging from adults to youth and young children, all while fostering deep connections between the volunteers and the communities they serve. Read more about Sam Pinakoulaki – her job, her family, her passions.

Join Us in Malaysia this Holiday Season!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact in the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Temun. Whether you’re looking to volunteer for one or two weeks, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful projects, experience a unique culture, and connect with local people in a truly special way.

Slots are limited, so act quickly to secure your spot. To learn more about the program, request information today! Our team of dedicated volunteer coordinators is here to provide all the details you need to get started on this adventure in service.

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